It was a ball hockey tournament the kids will never forget. NHL players Wayne Simmonds, Drew Doughty, Chris Stewart and Anthony Stewart spent Canada Day at Scarborough Gardens Arena in Birch Cliff playing ball hockey with local kids and signing autographs.
Giving kids a sporting chance
It was the first annual “Wayne’s Road Hockey Warriors” tournament, organized by Simmonds to raise money for Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program. The program covers registration, equiptment and/or transportation costs for those who need help.
The kids who turned out to play in the tournament had a blast.
Silent auction
The tournament was free to anyone who wanted to play or watch. The NHL players donated signed memorabilia that was auctioned off to raise money to help Scarborough minor hockey players get the same chances as those who went before them.
NHL players from Scarborough
Simmonds (Philadelphia Flyers), along with Chris Stewart (St. Louis Blues) and Anthony Stewart (Carolina Hurricanes) all grew up in Scarborough and made it to the NHL despite coming from families of modest means. Enrolment in minor hockey has declined in Scarborough in recent years due in part to rising costs and lack of outreach to immigrant communities.
Click below to see more photos of the tournament and listen to Anthony Stewart talk about playing hockey in Scarborough and the importance of giving back.
